By Buziwe Nocuze
A protest by residents of the Covid Joyce Bangene informal settlement in Witsand, Atlantis, outside Cape Town, turned ugly as prostesters looted five trucks and set one on fire on Tuesday night.
Western Cape police arrested two suspects for public violence and other crimes.
A resident, speaking anonymously, said: “We decided to protest because the city is ignoring us. We have been asking for water and electricity, but they tell us we built on private land,” the resident said.
“During the election campaign, no one mentioned this. Political party volunteers were here asking for our votes. Now, we want services but we are told the land is not owned by the city.”
People have been living in the area since 2021.
“Some people say we are new, but that doesn’t matter. We need services. We cannot and will not stop until we get them,” the resident said.
He is happy that the police arrested some residents for committing acts of violence.
“We warned people about looting during protests. We didn’t protest to loot; we wanted the city’s attention. Sadly, criminals use our protests to commit crimes. They need to be punished,” the resident said.
He believes that the arrest will make people think carefully before looting during protests.
“The trucks were burnt, which was not our intention. They must get harsh sentences to send a strong message to anyone thinking of looting during protests,” the resident said.
Western Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said: “Two suspects, aged 22 and 28, were arrested and face charges for public violence, damaging property and stealing a vehicle.”
The City of Cape Town said Eskom is responsible for providing electricity in the area.
Pictured above: The truck set on fire.
Source: Supplied
